Improvement in Iraqi - Egyptian relations

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz confirmed that his country intends to increase the volume of its trade exchange with Egypt, saying that Iraq wants to develop economic and trade relations with Egypt and expressing his approval that the Iraqi market contains many Egyptian products.

Aziz said that the first half of the current year has viewed a great improvement in the volume of trade exchange with Egypt, adding that Egypt's role in removing the sufferings of Iraqi people has become effective.

Concerning agreements Iraq signed with UNSCOM chief Richard Butler, Aziz said that at last, after Iraq restated Iraqi commitments to disarmament, the UN inspection committee began to show flexibility and to move from the stage of inspection currently taking place to permanent supervision and monitoring where sanctions would be removed.